Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of representing style layer properties at various zoom levels, comprising: maintaining a style sheet for a digital map, wherein: the style sheet comprises a plurality of style layers, each style layer corresponding to a data layer that is separate from the style layer, each of the plurality of style layers comprises a plurality of style layer properties defining visual representations within the digital map of map features within the data layer corresponding to the style layer, and each data layer comprises a subset of electronic map data representing map features of a particular type; for a particular style layer of the plurality of style layers: receiving a first property value for a first zoom level of a particular style layer property of the particular style layer; receiving a second property value for a second zoom level of the particular style layer property of the particular style layer; and generating a zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns a continuous range of property values between the first property value and the second property value to a continuous range of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the second zoom level; and sending for display the digital map at a particular zoom level, wherein the digital map comprises one or more map features of the data layer corresponding to the particular style layer visually represented within the digital map based on the generated zoom level function.
This invention relates to digital map rendering, specifically improving how style properties are represented at different zoom levels. The problem addressed is the need for smooth transitions in visual representations of map features as users zoom in or out, ensuring consistent and visually appealing displays. The method involves maintaining a style sheet for a digital map, which includes multiple style layers. Each style layer corresponds to a separate data layer containing map features of a specific type (e.g., roads, buildings). Each style layer contains properties that define how these features are visually represented in the map. For a given style layer, the method receives property values at two different zoom levels (e.g., opacity at zoom level 10 and zoom level 15). A function is then generated to interpolate property values across the entire range of zoom levels between these two points, ensuring smooth transitions. When the map is displayed at a specific zoom level, the visual representation of features is determined by applying this function, providing a continuous and dynamic adjustment of style properties as the user zooms in or out. This approach enhances user experience by maintaining visual consistency and adaptability across different zoom levels.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving selection of the particular style layer from a plurality of style layers.
A system and method for applying style layers to digital content, such as images or documents, addresses the challenge of efficiently customizing visual appearance without manual adjustments. The invention enables users to select a specific style layer from a predefined set of style layers, each containing distinct visual attributes like color schemes, fonts, or layout templates. Once selected, the chosen style layer is applied to the digital content, transforming its appearance according to the predefined attributes. The system may also include a user interface that displays available style layers, allowing users to preview or compare different styles before selection. This approach streamlines the design process by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, ensuring consistent and professional styling across multiple documents or images. The invention is particularly useful in graphic design, document processing, and digital content creation, where maintaining visual coherence is essential. By automating style application, the method reduces time and effort while enhancing productivity.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying the plurality of style layer properties for the particular style layer.
A system and method for managing style layers in a digital design application addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and modifying visual styles across multiple design elements. The invention provides a structured approach to applying and adjusting style properties, such as colors, fonts, and effects, to ensure consistency and streamline workflows. The method involves creating a style layer that encapsulates a set of style properties, allowing designers to apply these properties uniformly across different elements. Users can select a particular style layer and view its associated properties, enabling quick modifications and updates. This ensures that changes to a style layer are automatically reflected across all elements linked to it, reducing manual adjustments and maintaining design coherence. The system enhances productivity by centralizing style management, making it easier to maintain brand consistency and apply global updates efficiently. The invention is particularly useful in graphic design, user interface design, and other fields where consistent styling is critical.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving user input, wherein the first property value is based on the received user input.
A system and method for dynamically adjusting property values in a computing environment addresses the challenge of inflexible configurations that require manual updates. The invention provides a mechanism to automatically modify property values based on real-time conditions or user preferences, improving system adaptability and user experience. The core method involves monitoring system states or external factors, determining when a property value should change, and applying the new value to optimize performance or functionality. For example, a software application may adjust display settings based on ambient lighting conditions detected by a sensor. The method further includes receiving direct user input to override or influence the property value, allowing manual customization when desired. This ensures a balance between automated efficiency and user control. The invention is applicable in various domains, including user interface customization, performance tuning, and adaptive software behavior, where dynamic adjustments enhance responsiveness and usability.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving selection of zoom level control corresponding to the particular style layer property.
A method for adjusting visual properties in a digital design system involves modifying style layer properties of graphical elements based on user input. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently customizing visual elements in design software by allowing users to dynamically adjust properties like color, opacity, and size through intuitive controls. The system receives user input selecting a specific style layer property of a graphical element, such as a shape or text, and applies a transformation to that property based on predefined rules or user-defined parameters. For example, a user may select a color property and adjust its hue or saturation using a color picker or slider. The method further includes receiving a selection of a zoom level control corresponding to the particular style layer property, enabling users to fine-tune adjustments at different magnification levels. This ensures precise modifications, whether working on small details or large-scale designs. The system may also support undo/redo functionality and real-time previews to enhance usability. The invention streamlines the design process by providing granular control over visual properties while maintaining consistency across multiple elements.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising, in response to receiving selection of the zoom level control corresponding to the particular style layer property of the plurality of style layer properties having discrete values, generating a zoom level step function for the particular style layer property that assigns a finite set of property values between the first property value and the second property value to the range of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the second zoom level.
This invention relates to digital mapping systems and the dynamic adjustment of style layer properties based on zoom levels. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over visual styling of map layers as users zoom in and out, ensuring smooth transitions between discrete property values without abrupt changes. The method involves a mapping system that allows users to adjust a zoom level control to modify the appearance of map layers. When a user selects a zoom level control corresponding to a specific style layer property with discrete values, the system generates a zoom level step function. This function assigns a finite set of property values between a first and second property value to a range of zoom levels between a first and second zoom level. The step function ensures that as the zoom level changes, the style layer property transitions smoothly through predefined discrete values rather than abruptly switching between them. This approach enhances user experience by maintaining visual consistency and avoiding jarring transitions during zooming operations. The method can be applied to various style layer properties, such as line thickness, color intensity, or symbol size, ensuring adaptable and user-friendly map rendering.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving user input specifying a display zoom level of the plurality of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the second zoom level; determining, based on the generated zoom level function, a property value for the particular style layer property at the display zoom level; and displaying the property value for the particular style layer property at the display zoom level.
This invention relates to dynamic property adjustments in digital mapping systems, specifically for smoothly transitioning style layer properties across multiple zoom levels. The problem addressed is the need for seamless visual transitions when zooming in or out of a map, ensuring that style properties like line thickness, color opacity, or icon size adjust proportionally without abrupt changes. The method involves defining a first zoom level and a second zoom level for a map display, where each level corresponds to a specific property value of a style layer property (e.g., line width or text size). A zoom level function is generated to interpolate property values between these levels, allowing for smooth transitions as the user zooms. The system receives user input specifying an intermediate zoom level between the predefined levels, then calculates the corresponding property value using the generated function. This value is applied to the style layer property, ensuring consistent visual rendering at any zoom level. The method ensures that transitions between predefined zoom levels are smooth and visually coherent, enhancing user experience in mapping applications.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving user input specifying a rate of change value, wherein a curvature of the zoom level function is based on the specified rate of change value.
A method for adjusting zoom levels in a digital display system addresses the challenge of providing smooth and customizable zoom transitions. The method involves dynamically modifying the zoom level of a displayed image or interface in response to user input, such as touch gestures or mouse movements. The zoom level is adjusted according to a mathematical function that defines how the zoom level changes over time, ensuring a smooth and controlled transition rather than abrupt changes. The curvature of this zoom level function can be adjusted based on a user-specified rate of change value, allowing for fine-tuning of the zoom behavior. For example, a higher rate of change value may result in a more aggressive or nonlinear zoom transition, while a lower value may produce a gentler, more linear zoom effect. This customization enables users to tailor the zoom experience to their preferences or specific application requirements, improving usability and interaction efficiency. The method may be applied in various digital interfaces, including graphical user interfaces, mapping applications, and multimedia viewers, where smooth and adaptable zoom transitions are desirable.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving user input specifying a third property value to associate with a third zoom level for the particular style layer property; and generating an additional zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns an additional range of property values between the second property value and the third property value to an additional range of zoom levels between the second zoom level and the third zoom level.
This invention relates to dynamic property adjustments in digital mapping systems, specifically for modifying style layer properties based on zoom levels. The problem addressed is the need for smooth, continuous transitions of visual properties (e.g., color, opacity, line width) as users zoom in or out of a map, ensuring visual clarity and aesthetic consistency across different zoom ranges. The method involves defining multiple property values for a style layer property (e.g., a road line's width) at different zoom levels. For example, a road line might be thin at low zoom levels, medium at intermediate zoom levels, and thick at high zoom levels. The system generates a zoom level function that interpolates property values between these defined points, creating smooth transitions rather than abrupt changes. The invention extends this by allowing additional zoom levels and property values to be specified, enabling finer control over how properties evolve across the zoom spectrum. For instance, if a property is set to value A at zoom level 1 and value B at zoom level 3, an intermediate value C can be defined at zoom level 2, with the system automatically interpolating between A and C, and between C and B, ensuring gradual transitions. This approach enhances map readability and user experience by avoiding sudden visual shifts.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: receiving user input specifying a first rate of change value, wherein a curvature of the zoom level function is based on the first rate of change value; and receiving user input specifying a second rate of change value, wherein a curvature of the additional zoom level function is based on the second rate of change value.
This invention relates to interactive zoom control systems, specifically methods for adjusting zoom levels in response to user input with customizable curvature. The problem addressed is the lack of flexibility in traditional zoom controls, which often use linear or fixed-curve functions that do not adapt to varying user preferences or application requirements. The method involves dynamically adjusting zoom levels based on user input, where the zoom level is determined by a mathematical function that defines how the zoom level changes over time or distance. The curvature of this function can be modified to control the acceleration or deceleration of the zoom effect. For example, a higher curvature value may result in a more rapid zoom change at the beginning of the input, while a lower curvature may produce a smoother, more gradual zoom. The method further allows users to specify two distinct rate-of-change values: one for the primary zoom level function and another for an additional zoom level function. These values determine the curvature of their respective functions, enabling fine-tuned control over how the zoom behaves in different scenarios. For instance, a user might set a steep curvature for quick zooming in certain applications while using a gentler curve for more precise adjustments in others. This customization ensures the zoom behavior aligns with the user's needs, improving usability and efficiency in interactive systems.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: based on an order of the first zoom level value and the second zoom level value for the particular style layer property, displaying the first property value in association with the first zoom level value and the second property value in association with the second zoom level value; and in response to receiving user input editing the property value for the particular style layer property to add a third zoom level between the first and second zoom level values: sorting the first, second, and third zoom levels into numerical order; and re-displaying the first, second, and third zoom levels based on the sorting.
This invention relates to a method for managing and displaying property values associated with different zoom levels in a digital design or mapping system. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently organize and present style layer properties at varying zoom levels, ensuring clarity and usability when editing or adding new zoom levels. The method involves displaying property values for a particular style layer property at specified zoom levels. For example, a property such as line thickness or color may have different values at different zoom levels (e.g., thin at low zoom, thick at high zoom). The system initially shows the first property value linked to the first zoom level and the second property value linked to the second zoom level. If the user adds a third zoom level between the existing ones, the system automatically sorts the zoom levels numerically and updates the display to reflect the new order. This ensures that property values remain correctly associated with their respective zoom levels, maintaining consistency in the design or map rendering. The method simplifies the process of managing multiple zoom-dependent properties, reducing errors and improving workflow efficiency.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising, in response to receiving user input editing the property value for the particular style layer property to add a third zoom level between the first and second zoom level values: generating a first partial zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns a range of property values between the first property value and the third property value to the range of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the third zoom level; and generating a second partial zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns a range of property values between the third property value and the second property value to the range of zoom levels between the third zoom level and the second zoom level.
This invention relates to dynamic property value adjustments in digital mapping systems, specifically for modifying visual style properties (e.g., color, opacity) based on zoom levels. The problem addressed is the need to smoothly transition property values across multiple zoom levels without abrupt changes, particularly when adding intermediate zoom levels to an existing mapping style. The method involves adjusting property values for a style layer in a digital map. When a user adds a new zoom level between two existing zoom levels, the system generates two partial functions. The first function maps property values from the original lower zoom level to the new intermediate zoom level, ensuring smooth transitions within this range. The second function maps property values from the intermediate zoom level to the original higher zoom level, maintaining continuity across the entire zoom spectrum. This approach prevents abrupt visual changes when zooming in or out, improving user experience in mapping applications. The technique is applicable to any style property that varies with zoom level, such as color gradients, line widths, or opacity levels.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein each style layer of the plurality of style layers comprises a style layer type, the method further comprising: receiving a selection of two or more style layers of the plurality of style layers of similar style layer type; receiving a third property value for a third zoom level of a particular style layer property of the selected two or more style layers of similar style layer type; receiving a fourth property value for a fourth zoom level of the particular style layer property of the selected two or more style layers of similar style layer type; generating a second zoom level function for the particular style layer property of the selected two or more style layers of similar style layer type that assigns a continuous range of property values between the third property value and the fourth property value to a continuous range of zoom levels between the third zoom level and the fourth zoom level; and sending for display the digital map at another zoom level, wherein the digital map comprises one or more map features of two or more data layers corresponding to the two or more style layers of similar style layer type visually represented within the digital map based on the generated second zoom level function.
This invention relates to digital mapping systems, specifically methods for dynamically adjusting visual representations of map features based on zoom levels. The problem addressed is the need for consistent and smooth transitions in map styling across different zoom levels, particularly when multiple layers of similar type are involved. The method involves selecting two or more style layers of the same type (e.g., road layers, building layers) and defining property values for specific zoom levels. For example, a user may select road layers and specify a line width at zoom level 10 and a different line width at zoom level 15. The system then generates a continuous zoom level function that interpolates property values between these defined points, ensuring smooth transitions as the map zooms in or out. This function is applied to the selected layers, allowing map features to be visually represented with consistent styling across the specified zoom range. The digital map is then displayed with these adjusted features, maintaining visual coherence and usability. The approach improves user experience by avoiding abrupt style changes and ensuring that map elements scale predictably.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the style layer properties in the maintained style sheet for the digital map is defined by a first organization, the method further comprising: maintaining a second style sheet comprising a style layer that comprises a style layer property defined by a second organization different from the first organization, wherein the definition of the style layer property defined by the second organization differs from the definition of a corresponding style layer property in the maintained style sheet defined by the first organization.
This invention relates to digital map styling systems, specifically addressing the challenge of managing multiple style definitions from different organizations within a single map display. The system maintains a primary style sheet for a digital map, where at least one style layer property is defined by a first organization. The method further involves maintaining a second style sheet containing a style layer with a property defined by a second organization, distinct from the first. The second organization's definition of this property differs from the corresponding property in the primary style sheet. This allows multiple organizations to contribute distinct styling rules to the same map, enabling customized visual representations while preserving the ability to differentiate between contributions. The system ensures that conflicting or overlapping style definitions from different sources can coexist, providing flexibility in map presentation without requiring a single unified style authority. This approach is particularly useful in collaborative mapping environments where different entities need to apply their own visual branding or data representation preferences to shared geographic data.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the style sheet is stored as a document separate from the data layers.
A system and method for managing style sheets in a data visualization or document processing application addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent styling across multiple data layers or documents while allowing for flexible customization. The invention involves a style sheet that defines visual attributes such as colors, fonts, and layout rules, which are applied to data layers or document elements. The style sheet is stored as a separate document from the data layers, enabling centralized control over styling without modifying the underlying data. This separation allows for easier updates, versioning, and reuse of style definitions across different projects or documents. The system may include a parser to interpret the style sheet and apply its rules to the data layers, ensuring consistent rendering. Additionally, the style sheet may support conditional styling, where different rules are applied based on data values or user preferences. This approach improves maintainability and reduces redundancy by decoupling styling logic from data, making it easier to apply consistent branding or design standards across multiple documents or visualizations.
16. A server computer comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions which, when executed using the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform: maintaining a style sheet for a digital map, wherein: the style sheet comprises a plurality of style layers, each style layer corresponding to a data layer that is separate from the style layer, each of the plurality of style layers comprises a plurality of style layer properties defining visual representation within the digital map of map features within the data layer corresponding to the style layer, and each data layer comprises a subset of electronic map data representing map features of a particular type; for a particular style layer of the plurality of style layers: receiving a first property value for a first zoom level of a particular style layer property of the particular style layer; receiving a second property value for a second zoom level of the particular style layer property of the particular style layer; and generating a zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns a continuous range of property values between the first property value and the second property value to a continuous range of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the second zoom level; and sending for display the digital map at a particular zoom level, wherein the digital map comprises one or more map features of the data layer corresponding to the particular style layer visually represented within the digital map based on the generated zoom level function.
The invention relates to digital map rendering systems, specifically improving the visual representation of map features across different zoom levels. The problem addressed is the static styling of map features, which often results in poor visual clarity or excessive clutter at varying zoom levels. The solution involves a server computer that dynamically adjusts visual properties of map features based on zoom levels using a style sheet system. The server maintains a style sheet for a digital map, which includes multiple style layers. Each style layer corresponds to a separate data layer containing map features of a specific type (e.g., roads, buildings, landmarks). Each style layer defines visual properties (e.g., color, opacity, size) for the map features in its associated data layer. For a given style layer, the server receives property values for a specific visual property at two different zoom levels. It then generates a continuous zoom level function that interpolates property values across the range of zoom levels between the two specified levels. When rendering the map at a particular zoom level, the server applies the interpolated property values to the corresponding map features, ensuring smooth transitions in visual representation as the user zooms in or out. This approach enhances map readability and aesthetics by dynamically adjusting feature visibility and prominence based on zoom level.
17. The server computer of claim 16 , the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to perform, in response to receiving selection of a zoom level control corresponding to a selected style layer property of the plurality of style layer properties having discrete values, generating a zoom level step function for the selected style layer property that assigns a finite set of property values between the first property value and the second property value to the range of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the second zoom level.
A system for dynamically adjusting visual style properties in a digital map based on zoom levels. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining visual clarity and usability across different zoom levels by allowing discrete, step-wise adjustments to style properties rather than continuous transitions. The server computer includes program instructions that, when executed, generate a zoom level step function for a selected style layer property. This function assigns a finite set of property values between a first and second property value to a range of zoom levels between a first and second zoom level. The step function ensures that style properties, such as line thickness, color, or symbol size, change in distinct steps rather than smoothly, improving readability and user experience. The system supports multiple style layer properties, each with configurable discrete values, and allows users to select and adjust these properties via a zoom level control. This approach enhances map visualization by providing precise control over how visual elements appear at different zoom levels, ensuring optimal display quality and usability.
18. The server computer of claim 16 , the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to perform: receiving user input specifying a display zoom level of the plurality of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the second zoom level; determining, based on the generated zoom level function, a property value for the particular style layer property at the display zoom level; and displaying the property value for the particular style layer property at the display zoom level.
This invention relates to a server computer system that dynamically adjusts visual properties of a map or graphical interface based on zoom levels. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining visual clarity and usability across different zoom levels by smoothly transitioning style properties, such as line thickness, font size, or color intensity, as the user zooms in or out. The server generates a mathematical function that defines how a specific style property changes across a range of zoom levels, including a minimum zoom level and a maximum zoom level. When a user selects an intermediate zoom level between these extremes, the server calculates the appropriate property value for that zoom level using the generated function and applies it to the display. This ensures that visual elements scale predictably and remain legible or visually consistent regardless of the zoom level. The system may also support multiple style layers, each with its own set of properties that adjust independently based on zoom. The dynamic adjustment helps improve user experience by preventing visual clutter at high zoom levels and ensuring readability at lower zoom levels.
19. The server computer of claim 16 , the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to perform receiving user input specifying a rate of change value, wherein a curvature of the zoom level function is based on the specified rate of change value.
A system for dynamically adjusting zoom levels in a graphical user interface (GUI) includes a server computer with processors executing program instructions to manage zoom functionality. The system addresses the problem of inflexible zoom transitions, which can either be too abrupt or too gradual, leading to poor user experience. The server computer generates a zoom level function that defines how the zoom level changes over time in response to user input. The function includes a curvature parameter that determines the smoothness or sharpness of the zoom transition. Users can specify a rate of change value, which directly influences the curvature of the zoom level function. A higher rate of change results in a steeper curvature, producing faster zoom transitions, while a lower rate of change results in a gentler curvature, producing smoother transitions. This allows users to customize the zoom behavior according to their preferences, improving usability and responsiveness in applications requiring dynamic scaling of visual content. The system may also include additional features such as predefined zoom profiles or adaptive adjustments based on content type, further enhancing flexibility. The overall solution provides a more intuitive and customizable zoom experience compared to traditional fixed-rate zoom implementations.
20. The server computer of claim 19 , the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to perform, in response to receiving user input editing the property value for the particular style layer property to add a third zoom level between the first and second zoom level values: generating a first partial zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns a range of property values between the first property value and the third property value to the range of zoom levels between the first zoom level and the third zoom level; and generating a second partial zoom level function for the particular style layer property that assigns a range of property values between the third property value and the second property value to the range of zoom levels between the third zoom level and the second zoom level.
This invention relates to a server computer system for dynamically adjusting visual style properties of digital maps based on zoom levels. The system addresses the challenge of smoothly transitioning map styling properties (e.g., color, opacity, line width) across multiple zoom levels, ensuring visual consistency and user experience. The server generates and stores style layer properties for map rendering, where each property is associated with a range of zoom levels and corresponding property values. When a user edits a property value to insert an additional zoom level between existing ones, the system automatically creates two partial zoom level functions. The first function maps property values between the original lower zoom level and the newly inserted zoom level, while the second function maps values between the newly inserted zoom level and the original higher zoom level. This ensures seamless interpolation of property values across the modified zoom range, maintaining smooth transitions in map styling. The system dynamically updates these functions in response to user input, enabling real-time adjustments to map appearance without manual interpolation calculations.
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September 17, 2019
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